Has your garage door ever mysteriously opened by itself? If so, you know the unnerving feeling this brings on. It can put your home and family at risk. Therefore, it’s important to solve the problem quickly. Clients facing this issue may ask, “Is there an equipment problem or is it that someone opened my garage door?”

Why Would a Garage Door Open on Its Own?

Modern garage doors have sensors that detect objects. Even small debris or snow and ice can affect them. A blocked sensor can open the garage door, but this is usually when you’re trying to close it and it suddenly goes in reverse.

Another possibility is a problem with the garage door opener. The issue may be with either the wall controls or the remote. If the wall opener button is dirty, it can cause the door to go up or down. Fortunately, you can fix this by cleaning away any debris.

If this isn’t the issue, check the remote control. A sticky button, dirt, or a low battery can cause it to malfunction. Sometimes the door can open suddenly as a result. This can also happen if you hit a button by accident or something rubbed against it in your pocket. But if the remote or the opener itself seems okay, a wiring problem may be the cause; you’ll need a professional to address this.

Did Someone Open My Garage Door on Purpose?

It’s usually not that someone is playing tricks on you, but a phenomenon known as radio interference. A garage door opens and closes in response to a specific frequency. The garage door and the opener must be on the same channel whether you use a remote, indoor control, or passcode entry.

Therefore, someone may have opened your garage door if:

• A nearby radio, appliance, or wireless device operating on the same frequency interfered with it.
• Someone close by used a CB radio, police radio, or a garage door on a similar frequency.
• Your neighbor programmed their garage door to the same frequency; when they click the remote, your door is triggered as well.

To determine if your neighbor’s remote opened your garage door, ask them to test their opener at your home. This test will show if there is any interference. One unit or the other can be reprogrammed to resolve the dilemma. 

Can a Garage Door Be Hacked?

Newer garage doors can change their codes automatically, so it’s less common for a hacker to find the exact one. However, this isn’t the case with many older units. If your system has a fixed radio frequency code, a code grabber can record the signal from the opener and duplicate it to open your garage door. An intruder has essentially hacked into it.

In this scenario, it’s hard to know if someone opened your garage door. The intruder targeting your home will often leave the code grabber hidden nearby when you’re not around (so it can pick up the signal when you unsuspectingly operate the garage door). They’ll then pick up the device in the middle of the night or when you’re at work. 

But just because your system uses a rolling code or you have a smart garage door opener, that doesn’t mean it’s immune to being hacked. An intruder may try to gain control of the opener via your Wi-Fi network. To reduce the risk of trouble:

• Set up a firewall for your home network.
• Enable your smartphone’s fingerprint or face recognition feature.
• Don’t include revealing details in your Wi-Fi name.
• Choose unique, complex, and strong passwords.
• Use 2-factor authentication to make your account more secure.
• Use a different Wi-Fi network for smart devices so sensitive data are less accessible. 

Call for Help If Someone Opened Your Garage Door

If your garage door opens for no reason or has any other problem, schedule a free repair estimate with Mesa Garage Doors. Our skilled technicians will perform an inspection and can complete any type of repair fast. They’ll also determine if the mysterious issue is due to a garage door opener problem, interference from nearby, or malicious activity. We’re just as effective at securing your garage door as ensuring it is in great condition. Book service online or call 714-613-0646 today.

On their own, wood garage doors offer little thermal protection and are therefore poor insulators. Your garage may be too cold to be of any use. But you can add insulation, even to an older door, to make your garage more comfortable and energy efficient. We’ll explain how to insulate a wood garage door and what you need to consider.

What Is R-Value?

R-value measures the thermal resistance of a material or object. The higher the R-value the more resistant it is to heat flow and better it is at preventing heat loss. In many states, the minimum required R-value is R13, but a wood garage door often doesn’t have a rating of more than R2.17. A plywood garage door can be even lower. 

The R-value of an insulating material tells you its effectiveness. It’s determined by the type of insulation, its thickness, and its density. The right insulation will keep your garage warmer in the winter and cooler all summer long. 

Here’s a look at the optimal R-value depending on the type of garage:

• Detached Garage: R0 to R6
• Attached Garage: R7 to R9
• Heated Garage: R10 to R13
• Garage with Living Space Above: R14+

Is My Garage Door Insulated?

If your garage door has built-in insulation, look for white Styrofoam in between silver bars. Models with a thicker material often have a higher thermal resistance. Not all older doors are insulated as today’s standards are much stricter and more specific than those of the past.

Determine the Best Type of Insulation

There are different types of insulating materials. The best insulation for wooden frame-and-panel garage doors is foam board. The most common choices include:

• Polystyrene: Expanded polystyrene foam boards can range from R2 to R10. They are usually simple and affordable to install.
• Polyurethane: Polyurethane foam is versatile. It’s often used for kitchen sponges and is found in everything from medical dressings to sculptures. Ratings from R10 to R17.5 suit it for colder climates.

You can also purchase a new garage door that has built-in insulation. The purchase price, cost of materials, and professional installation are higher than standard units.

General Steps to Insulating a Wood Garage Door

Follow these steps if you’re updating an existing door:

• Place a mark on both sides of each door panel, vertically centered and 12 inches from each side.
• Stick double-sided tape to these pre-marked locations, and remove the front peel.
• Press a retainer clip onto the front of each piece of tape on the panel.
• Measure the panels, and write every measurement down as each panel may be a different size.
• Cut each section of insulation individually for each panel; it should be an inch or two longer than the panel’s measurements.
• Tuck the ends of the insulating material into the door panel. If the insulator is vinyl, face the vinyl side outward; if it is reflective, the reflective side should face outward.
• Press the insulation to feel the retention clips; then cut ½ inch slits to fit the front parts of the clips and secure them to the back pieces.

Installing Foam Boards

When installing foam board insulation, take measurements and cut each foam board to size with a utility knife. At the back of each panel, apply the adhesive, creating an “X” mark, and then place the cut-to-fit boards into each panel. Using a rubber mallet, hit the material with enough pressure so it fits snuggly into the panel, and repeat for the rest of the panels on the door.

When insulating the door, be attentive to its design. Additional material may be needed if the panels are larger than average. If the door does not have panels, cut insulating boards to the full size of the door or cut multiple pieces that will cover its complete surface.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors for the Latest Options

We provide and install many types and styles of garage doors in the Los Angeles area. Whether you’re looking to improve the look of your exterior, the function of your garage, or your garage door’s insulation, our team can help. Our professionals can install an insulated wood garage door as well. To schedule an appointment or book a free estimate, contact us online or call 714-975-5951.

Wooden garage doors can be customized specifically to your needs. That’s one of the reasons they are so appealing. No material is quite as customizable as wood while maximizing form and function. If you’re considering a replacement or update, here’s a look at the perks of custom wood garage door installation.

Lots of Stylistic Options to Choose From

You can keep a natural wood color if you prefer, or use a light stain to create the shade you want. The door can also be painted in any color. Wood is the easiest garage door material to paint. Numerous types of finishes are available as well. You can therefore match the exterior of your home or spruce up your facade to improve curb appeal.

Flexibility in Size and Shape

A custom wood garage door suits a garage with a non-standard size or shape. It can be easily crafted to perfectly fit the dimensions. If you need extra storage space or have a recreational vehicle, a wood garage door is a good choice. Custom sizing any other type of door is much more difficult and costly.

Different Types of Wood to Pick From

Plywood, while the least expensive type of wood door, can be made to look more upscale with a hardwood veneer. Other common types of wood garage doors include cedar, which is highly resistant to decay, and redwood, which resists rot and warping when built in thinner layers. Composite wood (which is recycled) is often as solid as steel and resistant to rotting and cracking.

Wood Garage Doors Are Well-Insulated

Wood is a natural insulator so helps protect your home against heat or cold. It can contribute to greater energy efficiency as well. Manufacturers can add more insulating layers and materials if necessary, depending on the needs of your home, further adding to the value that wood provides.

A Custom Garage Door Can Fit Any Budget

Custom wood garage door installation is budget-friendly. If you’re looking to save, a lighter-weight door can be installed. You can go for a simpler design as well. But if you have the budget, custom wood garage doors can feature a toughened design, polished wood, and a range of functional and decorative features to meet your wants and needs. Either way, your garage door will be high-quality and extremely durable.

Installation and Labor Warranty

Custom garage door manufacturers and dealers usually provide a generous warranty and guarantee on their labor and workmanship. You can save significantly if repairs are needed later. Oftentimes, you’ll receive years of protection, although every warranty differs in terms of what is covered. Always read the fine print.

Wood Garage Doors Are Durable

When protected against weather and moisture, wooden doors hold up well. It’s not easy to dent a wood garage door. Also, scratches, dings, and scuffs are not as common as with other materials. You can reduce wear and tear by taking the right steps early on and by keeping up with regular maintenance.

Wood Is a Renewable Material

Wood is a natural, renewable material. Therefore, customizing and owning a garage door made of wood can have a positive impact on the environment. Your carbon footprint is reduced by having a wood garage door built and installed in your home.

Schedule Custom Wood Garage Door Installation Today

Mesa Garage Doors is an experienced builder of custom wood garage doors and can meet any design criteria. We provide wood sectional garage doors that look like older swing doors, so there’s no compromise in style vs. functionality. Each product is expertly crafted, beautiful, and low-maintenance. To request assistance in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura County, or receive a new wood garage door estimate, contact us online or call 714-989-7421.

Locksmiths can offer a wide range of services. While these come at a cost ($158 on average in 2022, according to HomeAdvisor)1, a locksmith can have different types of specialties. A garage door locksmith can help when your garage door opener won’t work. Now that we’ve answered the question, here’s a look at what a garage locksmith can do.

There are ways you can open a locked door from the outside, but it might not always be the best idea. You risk doing more harm than good. A skilled locksmith has the knowledge and tools to avoid damage that may require expensive repairs.

How a Garage Locksmith Can Help

Many people envision a locksmith as someone who can open a traditional lock without a key. Today’s garage doors have more advanced systems. But a garage door locksmith can repair a keypad that isn’t working. Issues with garage door remotes, from replacing batteries, to setting up a universal remote, can also be managed. Resetting a keypad or remote is also something they can do, as it’s something homeowners often find themselves dealing with.

In addition, a locksmith can:

Check Garage Door Sensors: Whether a photo eye sensor isn’t working or a sensor that detects when your car approaches the garage malfunctions, a locksmith can fix the problem, adjust the sensor, or help replace a faulty device.

Repair/Maintain Your Garage Door Opener: A garage door opener problem is one of the most common reasons to be locked out of your garage. Equipped with professional tools and machinery, a locksmith can gain access via any garage door opener. They can also evaluate it and provide any maintenance needed to get it working smoothly again.

Minor Garage Door Repairs: Some garage locksmiths have the skills to replace broken springs in addition to repairing or replacing locks. Depending on their skill level, they may even be able to replace hinges or service and repair panels.

Garage Locksmiths Can Have Many Skills

As you can see, garage door locksmiths can possess a wide range of skills and specialties. Some can help maintain garage doors and even install newer technologies to make them more secure. Many locksmiths are now familiar with how to reprogram a keypad or other electronic lock, whether it uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or biometric technologies. High-tech security features such as card readers, fingerprint locks, security cameras, alarms, and motion sensors can be installed. Some security devices use Wi-Fi so you can view footage from your garage using your cell phone.

For traditional-style locks, a garage locksmith can change them or even rekey a lock. Rekeying is less expensive than replacing a lock; it can be done if the locksmith can rearrange the pins in the lock’s cylinder. Common locks used in garages include slide locks, T-handle locks with cables that release two bolts as the handle is turned, and J-arm locks with an operator arm that locks on the trolley.

Contact Us for Garage Door Help

Mesa Garage Doors specializes in installing and servicing many styles of garage doors. We have a full line of automatic garage door openers as well. Our installers and repair technicians are factory trained and provide high-quality service every time. They can handle all your garage needs, so call whether your garage door doesn’t close properly or you are locked out. For immediate help and award-winning service, contact us online or call 714-975-5951.

Installing a new garage door can improve curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency. It also allows you to take advantage of different styles and options. One of the choices homeowners have is to pick between a roll-up or a sliding garage door. The advantages of each type will be explained below to help with your purchasing decision:

Why Should I Install a Roll-Up Garage Door?

A roll-up door, or overhead rolling door, retracts into a compact coil as it opens. It is made of numerous steel or aluminum slats. Similar to sectional garage doors familiar to many homeowners, roll-up garage doors can be manually or electronically operated.

Although more often used in commercial settings, roll-up garage doors have advantages including:

• Small Footprint: The slats coil around a single axle contained in a drum above the door opening. This drum requires about 14 to 29 inches of headroom; aside from guide tracks on the frame, no bulky equipment is required.
• Security: A rolling garage door uses high-strength materials and secure locking mechanisms. These make it more difficult to break into, improving home security and peace of mind.
• Durability: A rolling door is resistant to wear and tear, even over years of heavy usage. It resists corrosion, rust, and severe weather while containing fewer parts compared to a sectional/sliding door.
• Weather Protection: Compared to other garage doors, a roll-up door is better at keeping out wind, rain, and dust. Temperature control in your garage can be improved, and storage, furnishings, and belongings will be more protected.
• Energy Savings: Foam insulation prevents air leakage, heat transfer, and noise. Another perk is that roll-up doors leave no space under them for air transfer; you won’t need additional air conditioners or fans.

Why Should I Install a Sliding Garage Door?

Traditionally used for commercial and agricultural spaces, sliding garage doors are becoming more common in residential applications. A sliding door can be installed in homes as either a large paneled door or a bi-parting set of doors. Steel, aluminum, or wood panels retract up along the ceiling as the door opens; this requires a vertical track along the side and one along the ceiling.

You can see the following benefits of installing a sliding garage door:

• Compact Design: While they don’t roll up into a coil, sliding garage doors are relatively compact. They are well-suited for garages that aren’t too small, but sliding models can accommodate lower ceilings than traditional garage doors.
• Ease of Installation: Ceiling support is needed, but a sliding door comes in standard and custom sizes. Installing the upper and lower rails may require a professional, who can complete the job relatively quickly.
• Quiet Motor: Less force is needed to open or close a sliding garage door, compared to a traditional model, so the motor is less noisy. Occupants of rooms that share walls with the garage won’t be disturbed when the door is being operated.
• Easy to Operate and Maintain: The door glides easily along the wall, even if you need to operate it manually, for example, during a power outage. As for maintenance, it’s easy to deal with anything from a squeaky wheel or jammed track to replacing panels and components.
• Design Options: Sliding garage doors can accommodate various design options and add-ons, from your preferred colors and materials to the inclusion of windows, woodwork, and decorative hinges or other elements.

Should I Install a Roll-Up or Sliding Garage Door?

The right garage door usually depends on the application. If you can choose between either, it’s important to consider the cost vs. durability. A garage door professional can help select the ideal garage door for your home.

Are you still weighing whether to install a traditional, roll-up, or sliding garage door? Mesa Garage Doors has many types of garage doors and options to choose from. Continue browsing to see the various series of high-quality garage doors that we offer. For assistance or to get a new door estimate, contact us online or call 714-646-1596.